The world of professional wrestling has witnessed some legendary rivalries, but few have captivated audiences quite like the showdown between John Cena and AJ Styles. As two of the most accomplished superstars in WWE history, their clash represented a battle for supremacy between an industry veteran and a global sensation. The question remains: could John Cena overcome the phenomenal force of AJ Styles, or would he succumb to a new and formidable challenger?
## John Cena: The Face of WWE
John Cena has been synonymous with WWE for over two decades. His charisma, work ethic, and ability to connect with fans have cemented his legacy as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. With a record-equalling 16 world championships, Cena’s dominance in WWE is undeniable. His rise to superstardom was marked by a relentless fighting spirit, unwavering determination, and his signature catchphrase, “Never Give Up.”
Cena’s in-ring ability has evolved over the years, adapting to various opponents and styles. His strength, resilience, and explosive finishing moves, such as the Attitude Adjustment and STF, have made him a formidable competitor. However, despite his numerous accomplishments, Cena has often faced criticism for his predictable wrestling style and perceived lack of technical prowess.
## AJ Styles: The Phenomenal One
AJ Styles, on the other hand, represents a different breed of wrestler. Known as “The Phenomenal One,” Styles honed his craft outside WWE, earning a reputation as one of the best in-ring performers in the world. With a career spanning multiple promotions such as TNA, NJPW, and ROH, Styles built a legacy based on his athleticism, agility, and unmatched technical ability.
Styles’ WWE debut at the 2016 Royal Rumble sent shockwaves through the wrestling world. Many doubted whether he could transition from an independent and international sensation to a WWE main-event star. However, Styles quickly silenced critics by proving himself against top-tier talent, securing multiple WWE Championships and delivering some of the best matches in modern wrestling history.
## The Rivalry Begins
When AJ Styles entered WWE, it was only a matter of time before he crossed paths with John Cena. Their rivalry officially ignited in 2016 when Styles shockingly attacked Cena, aligning himself with The Club (Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows). This set the stage for an intense feud that would see the two superstars battle multiple times over the next year.
Their first major singles match took place at Money in the Bank 2016, where AJ Styles secured a controversial victory over Cena, thanks to interference from The Club. This win was a significant statement from Styles, proving that he could stand toe-to-toe with one of WWE’s biggest icons.
## A Trilogy of Classic Matches
The rivalry between Cena and Styles reached new heights at SummerSlam 2016. This time, there was no outside interference—just two world-class athletes pushing each other to the limit. In a thrilling encounter, Styles delivered a decisive victory, further solidifying his status as an elite competitor. The match was widely praised and showcased Styles’ technical mastery and Cena’s ability to deliver on grand stages.
The feud culminated in their final showdown at Royal Rumble 2017, with Cena challenging Styles for the WWE Championship. This match was a masterpiece, blending storytelling, high-impact moves, and an electric atmosphere. In the end, Cena emerged victorious, claiming his 16th world title and tying Ric Flair’s record. The victory marked a defining moment in Cena’s career, but it also cemented Styles as a true main-event player in WWE.
## Styles’ Victory: A Game-Changer
Despite Cena ultimately winning their final match, AJ Styles’ victories over him were game-changing. By defeating a legend like Cena twice on major pay-per-views, Styles proved that he belonged at the top of WWE’s roster. His performances against Cena were instrumental in establishing him as a credible WWE Champion and a legitimate face of the company.
Styles’ ability to adapt to different wrestling styles made him a unique and formidable opponent. His in-ring intelligence, combined with his signature moves like the Phenomenal Forearm and Styles Clash, made him a threat to any competitor. Defeating John Cena wasn’t just a personal triumph; it was a statement that AJ Styles was one of the best wrestlers in the world.
## The Legacy of Their Rivalry
The Cena-Styles rivalry left a lasting impact on WWE. Their matches were not just entertaining but also symbolized a shift in WWE’s landscape. Cena represented the company’s traditional model of homegrown superstars, while Styles embodied the evolution of wrestling’s global appeal.
For Cena, the feud with Styles was one of his last major rivalries before transitioning to a part-time WWE role and focusing on his Hollywood career. For Styles, it was the launchpad that propelled him to greater heights within WWE, leading to multiple world championship reigns and continued success.
## Conclusion: Who Truly Won?
While Cena may have won the final battle, AJ Styles arguably won the war. His victories over Cena legitimized him as a main-event talent and helped change WWE’s perception of wrestlers from outside its system. Cena’s willingness to put over Styles demonstrated his respect for talent and his commitment to the industry’s future.
Ultimately, their rivalry was a testament to what professional wrestling is all about—two phenomenal athletes giving their all in the ring, creating unforgettable moments, and pushing each other to be the best. Whether you were a fan of Cena’s resilience or Styles’ technical brilliance, one thing is undeniable: their historic clash will be remembered as one of WWE’s greatest rivalries.